Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06131164

Breathing Exercises Effects on Forward Head Posture

The main objective of this study is to find the effects of breathing exercises on cardiorespiratory parameters in subjects with forward head posture. This will be a Randomized Clinical Trial study with two different breathing exercises which include Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise (DBE) for Treatment group A individuals and Thoracic Extension Exercise (TEE) for Treatment Group B individuals will be performed along with ergometric advices. Each exercise session will be done three times per week for total over a period of 12 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, 6th and 12th week with photogrammetry method for craniovertebral angle (CVA) and spirometer for pulmonary function test values (PFTs).

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Forward Head Posture

Age range

30 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

The Forward Head Posture (FHP)is the poor posture alignment of the body in which the craniovertebral angle is <50 degrees. This FHP causes the deep cervical flexors to become weak and excessive use of the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscle leads towards compromised respiratory functions. The diaphragm mobility is also reduced which effect the lung volume and capacities.

FHP is due to weak deep neck flexor muscles which are compensated by the over-activity of sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscle. This in turn leads to many musculoskeletal changes like muscular imbalance, changes in stress-strain curve due to over activity of cervical spine. FHP can badly effect thoracic expansion and alveolar ventilation which can reduce vital capacity, reduce lung volumes and lung capacities thus leading towards respiratory function weakening.

Prolonged FHP not only affect the muscles but also involve ligaments of the cervical and upper thoracic spine which cause the respiratory disorders and the end result of these changes shows that 83% of individuals with this forward head posture had altered breathing pattern. This shows that there is strong relation between cervical posture and respiratory parameters.

The respiratory function is usually affected by any change in muscle activity which is caused by pain in neck flexors or extensors and their reduced activity which causes changes in vicious circle of the neck. For improvements in such forward head posture and its related problems many therapeutic and rehabilitative techniques have been used such as Kinesio tapping, myofascial release, and Mckenzie exercises.All of these showed positive impact in improving the forward head posture and reducing impairments. Some of the previous exercises mentioned showed the positive combined effects of breathing exercises and therapeutic exercises

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Both Males and Females are included
  • Age group: Middle age adult from 30 to 45 years are included
  • Individuals with forward head posture and Craniovertebral Angle <50o

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous history of neck or back surgery or neurological signs
  • Psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Currently using muscle relaxation medication
  • Cervical fracture, trauma or tumor
  • Unstable cardiac condition
  • Undergone any thoracic or abdominal surgery

Treatment and study plan

Diaphragmatic breathing exercise group

Other

The subjects in this group will perform Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Group

Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

Other

The subjects in this group will perform Thoracic Extension Exercise Group

Primary outcomes

  1. Photogrammetry Method for Forward Head Posture Assessment

    Time frame: Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

    Photogrammetry is a reliable and accurate tool for measurement of angles. It is used to measure the FHP through measurement of Craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement. CVA is the inner angle between the horizontal line drawn from C7 spinous process to the midpoint of the tragus. As the higher the CVA the higher the FHP. All measurements are done after taking a photograph via digital camera in lateral-view in standing position

  2. Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FEV1

    Time frame: Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

    Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

  3. Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FVC

    Time frame: Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

    Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

  4. Spirometry for Pulmonary Function Test FEV1/FVC ratio

    Time frame: Baseline; 6th Week; 12th Week

    Spirometry method is use to measure pulmonary functions by assessing the lung volumes and capacities. As these pulmonary values will changed after FHP as the mobility of cervical spine and diaphragm are compromised. Spirometry is a cost effect, environment friendly, noninvasive and sensitive tool which can easily help in assessment of pulmonary function

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects Of Breathing Exercises On Cardiorespiratory Parameters In Subjects With Forward Head Posture

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Nov 14, 2023
Registry last updated
Apr 19, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.